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Brain Fitness: Use it or Lose it

When we discuss cures for brain illnesses, like Alzheimer's disease and dementia, we tend to think far ahead in the future. Instead, we should be talking about preventative measures we can take now to ward off these ailments.

Mental health is predicted to account "for more than 50 percent of the projected economic burden" for the next twenty years. Because of these findings, a new field is emerging - brain fitness.

According to the Huffington Post, brain fitness consists of varying pathways to combat cognitive health decline:

Physical Exercise. Exercising helps with memory enhancement and thinking skills. "Regular physical exercise makes changes in the brain that may be able to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s."

Consume Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Your brain is 60 percent fat and fat needs fat. These fatty acids repeatedly show a reversal of negative symptoms for most mental health conditions. A brain soaked in plant fats, like oils and seeds, can promote memory, abstract concepts, and "integration of complex ideas."

Hydrate Properly. Water is a crucial nutrient providing many benefits. From promoting circulation, filtration of the kidneys, and removal of waste by the digestive system, proper hydration is essential for optimal health, including brain health.

Get Some ZZZ's! Evidence now shows a link between poor sleep and higher levels of protein clumps in the brain, making it more difficult for someone to fall into a deep state of sleep. By not thoroughly resting at night, the brain is missing out on cognitive function and memory promotion that's provided by quality sleep.